Tag: jeffrey simon

WITH two rounds left to play in the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League, the ladder is finally taking shape. While the top and bottom two sides look all but cemented, the tussle for spots from third to sixth is only heating up.

Waratah reclaimed clear fourth spot with an important win over fellow finals contenders, Tiwi Bombers to open the round. Having dropped out of the top four for the first time since Round 1, the Warriors looked like winning throughout the match after booting 5.7 in a free-flowing first term. Despite a third quarter fightback from the in-form Bombers where the margin was cut to within two goals, Waratah held on in the eight-point affair and is a lock for a finals berth. Shem Tatupu was the star in front of goal for the winners with a game-high four goals as their only multiple goal kicker, but it was Abraham Ankers who claimed a second-straight best afield honour. Zach Westerberg was also thereabouts for Waratah, while Sam Godden and Samuel Weddell where also named amongst the best having hit the scoreboard. While usual suspects Ross Tungatalum and Austin Wonaeamirri were kept quiet with just two goals between them, Pio Puautjimi (three goals) stood up to lead the efficient Tiwi forward line, with Patrick Heenan also slotting two majors as second best in the losing effort. William Puruntatameri was named best for the Bombers, with youngster Jeffrey Simon also showing signs alongside the ex-AFL listed Nathan Djerrkura. Tiwi now slips back to fifth – a game and 30 per cent clear of Palmerston, but will be confident of pushing its weekend opponent for fourth given the Warriors tough draw to see out the regular season.

Wanderers caused a massive upset in the second of Saturday’s TIO Stadium fixtures, storming out of the blocks to overcome a wasteful Darwin Buffaloes side. The Eagles set up a lead which proved unassailable in the first term with six goals to one, slotting only five more for the remainder of the game while doing their best to thwart a weakened Buffaloes attack. Wanderers’ 11.2 made Darwin’s 7.13 final score look particularly regretful, and it made all the difference on the day as the Muk Muks hung on for an unlikely 11-point victory. It was an even spread of goal kickers for the hosts, with teenage star Joel Jeffrey, Gabriel Marika and James Box all contributing two goals in a strong team effort. It was a different story for Darwin, with Patrick Boles and Joe Anderson the only players amongst seven individual goal kickers to also be named in the best. Another teen sensation, Malcolm Rosas also found the goals, but the missing flair of Adam Sambono and experience of Matthew Campbell to suspension was too much to cover for the Buffaloes. Wanderers still sit bottom despite claiming its second win in three rounds, while Darwin’s grip on third place has loosened as Waratah join them on 32 points to set up a mouthwatering Round 18 clash between the sides. Still, the Buffaloes’ strong percentage should guarantee them finals, while Wanderers would need a miracle to snatch fifth from this position.

Nightcliff looks set to storm to minor premier status as it chalked another comfortable win, and put a major dent in Palmerston’s finals hopes to see out Saturday’s triple-header. The ladder leaders held a steady lead of 28 points going into the main break, but sealed the game with two goals to nil in the third quarter, and put the cherry on top with another six majors in the final stanza to prop up the final margin to 74 points. The competition’s second-leading goal kicker, Kyle Emery played a lone hand for the Magpies with his side’s only goals (three), but missed out on being named in the best half-dozen players. James Rhodes was judged their best, with the ever-consistent Matthew Dennis and Nigel Lockyer Jnr also playing their parts in a disappointing losing effort. For the mighty Tigers, Trent Melville matched Emery’s haul to extend his lead to 15 atop the goalkicking charts, while Phillip Wills was the only other to snare multiple goals with two as he was named best afield. The Tigers will also be buoyed by the efforts of players outside their usual best, with Beau Black performing well in just his third game alongside Danny Butcher and Jonathon Miles. It may well come down to a final-round clash against Southern Districts that decides top spot, but Nightcliff look comfortable there with a four-point buffer, while Palmerston will need results to go its way if it is to snatch fifth spot.

A comfortable win has seen Southern Districts keep its minor premiership hopes alive, coming out 46-point winners over the lowly St Marys to remain just a game behind ladder-leaders, Nightcliff. While they grasped a second finals chance rounds ago, the Crocs still look hungry to claim top spot and are set to be led by a forward line close to running absolutely rampant. Leading goal kicker Jess Koopman bagged three goals alongside Michael Mummery and Dean Staunton, with Bradley Vallance (two goals) just falling short of the feat as the Crocs more than doubled St Marys’ score. The strength of Southern Districts’ forward 50 was only helped by the inclusion of ex-AFL star Ryan Griffen, who was reunited with former Bulldog teammate, Ed Barlow in the Crocs midfield. Matthew Rosier beat both of them out to be adjudged best afield, with Ben Rioli named the Saints’ most valuable player. Nick Yarran continued his rich vein of form, but it was Jacob Long (three goals) who stood up most inside the forward 50 as Tylah Saunders also slotted two majors. The Saints remain second bottom despite Wanderers’ win, with the slimmest of chances of making finals. Meanwhile, Southern Districts could well reclaim first place over the last two rounds, with a Round 18 clash with Nightcliff likely to decide the matter.

Wanderers claimed a minor upset to kick the round off, overcoming a half-time deficit to better a falling Tiwi Bombers side. Wayward kicking meant the Eagles did not quite take advantage of a strong start, posting 1.6 while keeping Tiwi goalless. The Bombers looked like making their opponents pay in the second term after snatching a one-goal buffer, but Wanderers promptly hit back after the main break with ten goals to four seeing the Muk Muks cruise to a 32-point victory. Exciting youngster Joel Jeffrey again showed his potential to boot an equal game-high four goals, matched by Stanley Tipiloura. John Tipiloura was also amongst the goals with two, but it was Thomas Motlop who was named best for the winning Eagles. Ex-West Coast players Ashton Hams and Tom Swift lined up for the Bombers and while the former was judged their best, the pair’s AFL experience was not enough to help overcome Wanderers. Jack Munkara snared four goals to be named in the best alongside regulars Dion Munkara and Jason Puruntatameri, but the likes of Jeffrey Simon and Austin Wonaeamirri were unable to provide their usual spark to help the Bombers’ cause. While The Eagles remain bottom, they draw level on points with their weekend opponents, finding some much-needed confidence heading into the new year.

A sensational final quarter fightback saw Darwin Buffaloes snatch victory from ladder leaders Southern Districts to go clear in third place. After giving up a three-goal lead at the first break, the Buffaloes trailed for almost the entire match and by 13 points at the final turn. Turning it on when it mattered, Darwin conjured six goals to one to see out the game and claim an unlikely win after being down on form in recent weeks. NT legend Darryl White was the main source of goals with three, with Chris Williams (two) the only other Buffalo to bag multiple goals. Kevin Maroney was named best alongside the reliable Ryan O’Sullivan and Shaun Ahmat, with the Darwin side undoubtedly buoyed by winning despite quieter games from usual stars Adam Sambono and Malcolm Rosas. Meanwhile, Lee Dale was the only Croc to score multiple goals – enough to earn best-afield honours for the ladder leaders. White’s ex-teammate Jared Brennan was also thereabouts for Southern Districts, alongside the likes of Richard Tambling and Beau Schwarze. The loss hardly puts a dent in the Crocs’ ladder position, but sees them now share top spot, while Darwin consolidates its finals spot – climbing to outright third and finding some form as the season hots up.

Nightcliff did enough to join Southern Districts in equal first with a comfortable win over St Marys, making them the only favourites to come out of the round with a win. Leading from the first bounce, the Tigers kept St Marys to just three goals after the first break, while putting enough of a total next to their own name throughout four consistent quarters. Matthew Bricknell kicked his second bag of four goals for the year to lead the way, followed by Trent Melville, Shaun Wilson, and Blake Grewar with two each. The latter two joined Phil Wills in the best, marking a solid attacking effort for the in-form Tigers. Nathaniel Paredes was again named best for the Saints, with Ben Taylor, Ben Rioli and Kieran Delahunty unsurprisingly not far behind. Stalwart Raphael Clarke had his hands full down back, but was also recognised for his efforts. The win sees Nightcliff join the Crocs on top of the ladder, behind by only percentage as the form team of the competition. Meanwhile, the Saints drop out of the top five but hold a good enough percentage to see them jump back in with a win after the break.

A starring seven-goal effort from ex-Dee Michael Newton wasn’t enough to drag Waratah over the line against Palmerston Magpies, going down by the narrowest of margins in a thriller to see out proceedings in 2018. The Magpies looked to have set up a comfortable position with an eight-point half time lead, but were stunned by an eight-goal third term from the Warriors, before finding seven goals of their own in the last quarter to claim a remarkable win at the death. With Newton booting over half of their goals, Matthew Blake (two) was the only other multiple goal kicker for the Warriors, while Tom Toma also found the goals to be named in the best alongside Zach Westerberg a the losing effort. Ezekiel Frank was Palmerston’s best, with Bundoora products Josh Grabowski and Matthew Dennis also important in the win, while Mishai Perry (four goals) and Aaron Davey (two) provided the scoring threat. Palmerston jumps into the finals spots on the back of its big win, level on points with its weekend opponents to sit a game outside of third.

In what is set to be the game of the round, the two form teams of the competition, Nightcliff and Tiwi, do battle on Saturday to open this weekend’s proceedings. With both sides on win streaks and competition for finals spots heating up, this bout between two attacking powerhouses is set to produce fireworks. The Tigers have regained their rhythm after going down to Southern Districts in Round 6, winning their last two games to sit four points outside of first place. Meanwhile, the Bombers have now won three on the trot after opening their account in the same round, including wins over fellow finals hopefuls Darwin and Waratah. There is class around the ground for Nightcliff, with the recent addition of former Port forward John Butcher proving handy, adding to the consistent danger of Trent Melville, Mathew Bricknell and Joel Budarick going forward. Speedster Liam Holt-Fitz should also be a feature, providing run from the back half. For Tiwi, Adam Tipungwuti and Jason Puruntatameri have been ever-reliable, but they’ll look towards the likes of Dion Munkara, Ross Tungatalum, and youngster Jeffrey Simon to provide the firepower to match Nightcliff. With finals repercussions set to come from a result either way, expect both sides to throw the it all on the line to grab an important four points. If the shootout in their previous encounter is anything to go by, this will be a high-scoring affair.

WANDERERS v. WARATAHRound 9 – Saturday December 1, 5:00pmTIO Stadium

Wanderers will be looking to claim consecutive wins when it comes up against finals hopefuls, Waratah in Saturday’s evening fixture. The Eagles are fresh off a stunning upset victory over Darwin, and despite remaining bottom of the ladder, are only a win off being tied for fifth. Waratah was brought back down to earth after their own upset win over Southern Districts in Round 7, going down to a surging Tiwi outfit in a close one. It’s an important game for the Warriors in particular, as results could see them fall right back into the pack after holding on to fourth place for most of the year. For the Eagles, a run of form is within reach and they could soon scrape off the bottom if things go their way. Joel Jeffrey was the key man last time out, but Wanderers may be without him for this one, leaving it up to the form of Davin Ferreira and Thomas Motlop to find goals. Ex-Roo and Crow Sam Gibson‘s recent cameo has come to an end, but the Eagles will hope that Liam Patrick can have a good run at it up forward after returning to the side. On the other side of the coin, Waratah’s Tom Toma found form of late and will look to have an impact alongside Jaxon Neagle and Cameron Barrett going forward, supported by Timothy Mosquito and Nick Gooch further back. With a bottleneck forming from third to eighth, this will be a key game in the grand scheme of things despite it not looking like a thriller on paper.

The final game in Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header pits two sides coming off losses against each other, with Darwin and St Marys looking to re-enter the winners list. The Buffaloes have now suffered consecutive surprise defeats after going down to bottom side, Wanderers last time out, and could slide heavily with a loss hear. On the other hand, the Saints were beaten by a Southern Districts side breathing fire after a loss, but can still jump into a finals spot if they get over the line here. With young gun Malcolm Rosas out of the side, Jed and Javadd Anderson have stepped right up in his absence and will be key figures alongside the returning Adam Sambono. The leadership of Matthew Campbell has also been important of late, and that is an aspect that St Marys has missed with Raph Clarke missing. The Saints’ firepower is still there though, with Brayden and Ben Rioli constantly shining alongside Nathaniel Paredes. They will also hope that young Maurice Rioli jnr can strut his stuff this time out in an effort to compete with the Buffaloes’ forward threat. Darwin will inevitably come out hard, looking to prove a point as it looks to break away from the mid-table pack once again. St Marys will provide stiff competition despite being hard to read, but it is a good opportunity to the Saints to get up over a usually strong side.

Southern Districts will hope to extend its lead atop of the NTFL ladder when it clashes with Palmerston to close out the round. The Crocs bounced back well from their Round 7 loss with a convincing win over St Marys in their last bout, putting their usual scary form on show once again. Palmerston have been a touch more inconsistent, suffering two straight losses after finding consecutive wins. The last fixture between the two was a landslide victory for Southern Districts, but the Magpies will be confident of competing much better having settled into the season. Michael Mummery was fantastic in Round 8 with four goals, but Shane Thorne has undoubtedly been the Crocs’ form player alongside the likes of Dean Staunton and recent inclusion, Seb Guilhaus from the ruck. The injection of AFL experience in the form of Jared Brennan, Richard Tambling and Leroy Jetta makes them an even scarier prospect for the Magpies, who will look to their own AFL stars in the Davey brothers to add some class. Kyle Emery will provide the goals up forward, with Matthew Dennis shouldering ruck duties, and Rodney Baird and Nigel Lockyer jnr providing cool heads up the field. Another one-sided affair looks likely on paper given Southern Districts’ recent inclusions, but Palmerston always pose a threat with the injections of class they have on each line.

ROUND 7 of Northern Territory Football League (NTFL) Men’s Premier League action sees the battle for ascendancy around the last finals spot heat up, while those in the top three will hope to get back on winning runs and keep tabs on the undefeated Southern Districts.

Tiwi Bombers will be looking to claim a second consecutive win when after breaking its season duck last time out, coming up against a formidable Darwin outfit. The Buffaloes enjoyed a bounce-back victory last round too, overcoming fellow finals contenders Waratah to steer a game clear of the Warriors in third. While it looks a mismatch on paper and ladder position, Tiwi found a groove in their last outing and will have a spring in its step as it faces a Darwin team that is struggling to regain its early season form after hitting a slight speed bump.

The Buffaloes have class on each line, with AFL experience in the form of Joe Anderson and Matt Campbell seeing them through, while ex-Roo Michael Firrito has been a handy recent addition to the back half. The real x-factor on show will come from an in-form Adam Sambono, one of the league’s prime movers who is hot off a best-afield four-goal haul. An exciting clash also looms between two of the NT’s best youngsters in Darwin’s Malcolm Rosas and Tiwi’s Round 6 rising star nominee Jeffrey Simon, who can both win their own ball and stand up against mature bodies. Tiwi will be hoping that its own ex-AFL regular in Austin Wonaeamirri can continue to contribute to the scoreboard, while Simon Munkara will have to do the same up forward with supply from Jason Puruntatameri. Dion Munkara would also be a welcome addition, and could help the Bombers match Darwin’s firepower.

Darwin will be confident of getting back on a winning run here, but the Bombers are always a dangerous opponent and now have that winning feeling. Hopefully it’s a good spectacle to open the round and a TIO Stadium triple-header.

WANDERERS v. NIGHTCLIFFRound 7 – Saturday November 17, 5pmTIO Stadium

Wanderers will face a tough task in building on its only win for the season, battling against premiership contenders Nightcliff on Saturday. The Eagles suffered a loss against the improving Palmerston Magpies in their last bout, and with Tiwi posting its first win of the year, now sit bottom of the table. While Nightcliff also narrowly lost at the hands of a dominant Southern Districts side, they have looked a clear superior unit to most of the competition having even taken Darwin out in Round 5.

The consistent firepower of the Tigers forward of centre makes them tricky opposition, with spearhead Trent Melville looking to bounce back to his usual form after a quiet game last time out. The likes of speedy youngster Liam Holt-Fitz, Brodie Filo and Shaun Wilson have also repeatedly featured in the best, and will have to stand up once again if Nightcliff are to make a return statement. Wanderers don’t necessarily have the same potency around the ground, but will look for a spark from Keelan Fejo and Joel Jeffrey with key figure Marlon Motlop out of the side over the last two weeks along with cousin, Shannon and ex-Sun Liam Patrick, who has only played once.

Another mismatch on paper looms in this fixture, and Nightcliff will surly be breathing fire after a tight loss to the Crocs, but Wanderers will hope to put up a good fight here and climb off the bottom, as it searches for its first win since Round 1.

A battle for the last finals spot looms in the last fixture of Saturday’s TIO Stadium triple-header, with a confident Palmerston clashing against St Marys. The Saints became Tiwi Bombers’ first victim for season 2019, a loss that would hurt greatly given how St Marys had found form of late and were pushing hard for fifth place. On the other hand, Palmerston managed to string a couple of wins together to pip this weekend’s opponent in terms of ladder position, and look a lively part of the tussle for ascendancy from fourth to sixth.

The Magpies’ key man this year has been Bundoora Bulls stalwart Matthew Dennis, who has put in workmanlike performances in some blown-out losses this year. As their form has turned, the likes of Rodney Baird and the dangerous Davey brothers have stepped up, with goal machine Kyle Emery a constant threat up forward. Hoping to quell Palmerston’s new-found firepower will be Saints veteran Raphael Clarke, who has held down the defensive fort all season. Further up the ground, Gippsland Power product Nathaniel Paredes has been dominant, while even younger talent in Maurice Rioli Jnr and Brayden Rioli should provide a bit of x-factor going forward.

This should be the most hotly contested game of the round, with both sides eager to claim that elusive fifth spot and earn a finals appearance. While Palmerston are the form side, St Marys have match-winners on each line that could prove the difference in a close encounter.

Southern Districts will be keen to keep their perfect record in tact when they close out the round against Waratah at Norbuilt Oval. The Crocs have been a class above this season in beating all comers with relative ease, including seeing off their two most dangerous challengers – Darwin, and most recently, Nightcliff. Waratah come in having pushed the Buffaloes all the way last time out, and sit just off the top three as the ‘best of the rest’.

Dean Staunton and Shane Thorne continue to dominate for the Crocs, with draft hopeful Michael Mummery coming into form alongside Charles McAdam. Goalkicking ace Bradley Vallance will also look to bounce back from a goalless return last time out, with the likes of ex-Bomber Leroy Jetta still set to return and provide even more firepower. The key men for Waratah will be Cameron Barrett, who consistently hits the scoreboard alongside Lachlan Collihole and Raven Jolliffe. While they do not do massive damage on the scoreboard, the Warriors have multiple avenues to goal and will need to find them on repeat to match the dangerous Districts lineup.

While this may be a key fixture for Waratah given Palmerston and St Marys are vying for their position in fourth, Southern Districts will be looking to see out yet another victory with as little fuss as possible.

WITH one side breaking their duck for season 2019, another remains undefeated having knocked off their closest challenger to end Round 6 action. All four games were close, with the old names we have come to expect all putting their hands up at vital moments.

Tiwi Bombers finally broke its season duck with a spirited win over an in-form St Marys side to open the weekend’s action. The Saints gave it their best shot, trailing for most of the match and by 16 points at the half. But the Bombers were determined to break through and held their position, running out 21-point winners to scrape off the bottom of the ladder.

16 year-old star Jeffrey Simon earned a rising star nomination in just his second game for Tiwi, attacking the ball hard and following the example of idols Austin Wonaeamirri and Simon Munkara well. Munkara was one of three players to claim two goals alongside Pio Puautjimi and Kim Kantilla, while Gerrard Cunningham was the standout goalkicker with three. For St Marys, a couple of prodigies with famous names again stood out, with Maurice Rioli Jnr claiming best afield honours and Brayden Rioli again hitting the scoreboard. TAC Cup graduate Nathaniel Paredes was up to his usual standard in booting two goals alongside Braxton Ah Mat, while Shannon Rioli and Jack Long were also among the best.

The win sees Tiwi climb to second bottom, equal with Wanderers on a sole win, while St Marys fall to sixth as the only side with two wins.

Palmerston snared its second win on the trot with a close win over now-bottom side Wanderers at TIO Stadium. It was hardly comfortable for the Magpies, who were wasteful in front of goal in the first half but remained unpunished as they maintained a steady enough lead to see out the game 19 points ahead.

Kyle Emery was again the star for Palmerston, continuing his prolific scoring form with a bag of three. The Magpies’ usual suspects were also amongst it, with Matthew Dennis strong in the ruck, Alwyn Davey thriving alongside brother Aaron, and Rodney Baird putting in another solid shift. Nook Mansell was one of the best afield for the Eagles, booting two goals along with the dangerous Keelan Fejo. Youngster Joel Jeffrey again found himself in the goals, while Winston Yunupingu and Daniel Weetra were judged their best.

Palmerston rise into the finals spots with the win, equal fourth with Waratah. Meanwhile, Wanderers fall to the bottom of the pile with another loss, sitting below Tiwi by percentage.

Darwin Buffaloes bounced back from last week’s defeat with a strong win over fellow finals hopeful, Waratah. Holding a one to two goal lead for most of the game and at every break, the Buffaloes had enough in the tank to answer all the Warriors’ challenges.

The AFL class and experience of Joe Anderson and former Roos Matt Campbell and Michael Firrito shone through, with all three named in the best for Darwin. It was young jet Adam Sambono who proved the biggest handful though, booting a game-high four goals to be named best afield, while Jackson Clark was their only other multiple goalkicker with two. Abraham Ankers was again the best for Waratah, with Cameron Barrett booting two majors to also be named among the best six players, too. Jaxon Neagle, son of late Essendon great Merv, also impressed in his second game, finding the goals and zipping around the gaff alongside the likes of Timothy Mosquito.

Darwin now sits in equal second with Waratah, down on percentage but a game clear of weekend challengers, Waratah in fourth.

Southern Districts maintained their perfect record in season 2019 with a strong win over fellow premiership contenders, Nightcliff in the game of the round. Coming off a rousing win over third-placed Darwin, the Tigers were hoping to claim another win over their close table rivals but the Crocs proved too good once again. Having conceded a first break lead, Southern Districts responded well from there, on, chipping away against constant Nightcliff challenges. The margin got out to 17 points in the end, one of the biggest of the game to see it out.

Draft hopeful Michael Mummery was one of two multiple goalkickers on the day alongside Jess Koopman with two majors each. Clinton Gallio was named best afield in front of the ever-consistent Shane Thorne and Dean Staunton for the Crocs, with all three also finding the goals. Charles McAdam was another to impress, while youngster Liam Holt-Fitz was the best for Nightcliff alongside the likes of Clayton Holmes, Shaun Wilson and Brodie Filo, while goal-machine Trent Melville was down on his usual best but still managed a goal.

The win pits the Crocs two games clear atop the NTFL table, while Nightcliff are their closest challengers, equal second with four wins alongside Darwin.

THE gripping Under 16 Division Two National Championships came to an end last Saturday in Yeronga, with Tasmania coming out on top by percentage alone. The Mariners, NSW/ACT and Queensland each picked up two wins, while Northern Territory were the only side to remain winless.

NSW/ACT’s Errol Gulden was named the Alan McLean Medallist as Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, claiming the same honour for his state side. Meanwhile, Saxon Crozier was adjudged Queensland’s MVP, with Deacon Braun and Sam Collins named best for Northern Territory and Tasmania respectively.

There were many players outside of the MVPs to put their hands up and have their names noted for the future. NSW/ACT’s Braeden Campbell joined Gulden in the Under-16 All Australian squad as NSW/ACT’s sole contributors after impressing off half-back, while the likes of Marc Sheather and Pierce Roseby were also standouts. For the home side, Queensland, Tahj Abberley proved a smooth mover with damaging traits, with Riley Johnson providing a more than capable option up forward.

Champions Tasmania had a wealth of contributors; key forward Jackson Callow booted 10 goals and averaged almost nine marks per game, Oliver Davis won the ball prolifically through midfield to average 20 disposals and be named alongside Collins and Callow in the All Australian side. Jye Menzie was another Mariner to hit the scoreboard with his six goals from the wing/half-forward.

Despite going winless, Northern Territory also uncovered some eye-catching talent in the form of Jeffrey Simon, who contributed well through midfield, and Malcolm Rosas, who was their only All Australian representative. Richmond fans are already hyped about the potential of Maurice Rioli, who pitched in with a couple of goals and looks to have all the traits his pedigree would suggest.

WE headed down to Metricon Stadium on Tuesday to watch Tasmania take on Northern Territory and Queensland face off against NSW/ACT in the Under 16 National Championships. Michael Alvaro was on hand to take notes at the games.

Tasmania vs. Northern Territory

Tasmania:

#12 Will Harper

Harper was arguably the best afield with a dominant performance in the forward half. Starting from a deeper position, the solidly built Launceston product slotted home a set shot in the first term to get his game going. His contested marking came to the fore in the second term as he pushed further up the field, bullying his smaller NT opponents and adding another goal to his tally. Blessed with a booming left foot kick, Harper continued the trend and claimed majors in each quarter with a snap in the third and a long-range set shot in the fourth to cap off an outstanding day.

#14 Samuel Collins

A rock down back, Collins started the game well with hard attacks on the ball and clean use coming out of defence. The North Hobart boy showed an impressive work rate to make and effect a heap of contests, intercepting most that came his way and calmly rebounding. While Harper was quieter in the second half, he rarely put a foot wrong all day.

#15 Oliver Davis

A constant in the midfield, Davis dug in well to allow the Mariners first use while also showing some outside class. He tended to stay a kick behind the ball in the early stages, and used his wits to hit up Lachlan Borsboom and Harper inside 50. Davis’ harder edge came out in the third term as he took an impressive overhead mark, which he followed up by again finding Borsboom inside 50 for his second goal. He continued that form with some handy clearance work and deft hands in-close in a solid outing.

#16 Patrick Walker

Walker pushed up hard from a half-back/wing position to provide a real threat going forward. Like Collins, he was both clever and calm with ball in hand and accumulated well throughout the game. One of Walker’s highlights was a darting pass to Jye Menzie in the last quarter, which resulted in a goal to Jacques Berwick, showing impressive vision. Walker’s defensive work was good too, with some hard tackling and aerial work seeing him play a complete game.

#22 Samuel Banks

Playing deep in defence, Banks quelled a number of dangerous NT attacks and was solid with his intercept marking. His point of difference was the run he created out of the back half, taking the game on at each opportunity. Most of Banks’ best work was done in the second half as the game opened up and he could easily snap up the quick kicks sent his way.

#26 Jye Menzie

Menzie was a lively attacking presence in the first half, booting three goals as he found space pushing forward from the wing. His first was a straight-forward set shot from 20 meters, and his two in the second quarter came amongst some impressive tackling and pressure. Menzie was quieter in the second half, but popped up with an assist for one of Berwick’s two final quarter goals.

#33 Jackson Callow

Callow had an extraordinary purple patch in the second half, marking almost everything that came forward of centre, and kicking three of his four goals. The hulking full forward has strong hands and is a beautiful kick for goal, giving him a good base to work on as he develops. Those skills were on show as he sunk a multiple set shots and demanded the ball on the lead, providing a real and dangerous presence from the goal-square to centre-wing.

Northern Territory:

#5 Malcolm Rosas

Rosas was a constant feature in the NT midfield and added some real zip out of the congestion. Standing at 175cm, his hands overhead were surprisingly strong and he managed to win a couple of impressive one-on-one marks. His left foot was effective when given the chance to use it, and he provided some nice inside-50 entries.

#15 Jeffrey Simon

Another to spend most of his time through the midfield, Simon competed well in a range of areas. He managed to burst away from the stoppages early with good pace, and spent the rest of the game accumulating possessions around the ground. He also showed off a decent leap and willing attack on the ball.

#16 Jamal Lynch

Lynch started the game in brilliant form off half-back, providing good run and carry while showing a more physical side with a solid one-on-one bump to win the ball. With the ball very much locked in the Tasmanian forward 50 in the first half, Lynch had a decent amount of it and tried to be creative going forward. One of his party tricks was attempting to run on to a handball around his opponent, and his diving trap shortly after made it clear that he is very much a natural footballer.

#17 Maurice Rioli

The latest of the Rioli clan, Maurice has all of the traits you’d expect given his pedigree. While he didn’t find a heap of the ball in the forward half, he looked dangerous in possession and started the game off perfectly with a snap after slipping his opponent. While he is still very raw, Rioli has plenty of talent to work with and isn’t afraid to pull off a party trick at full pace. At 171cm, he is not quite yet ready for a spot in the midfield by was given a run at a centre bounce in the third quarter.

Queensland vs. NSW/ACT

Queensland:

#8 Tahj Abberley

Abberley was a clever user throughout the game, nipping around with good pace and agility form the midfield, forward. He started well with a goal from a free kick after sharking the ball cleanly but being taken high. His left foot was damaging too with some handy forward 50 entries helping the Maroons to push the pace.

#11 Liam O’Brien

The bite-sized winger had an immediate impact with the first goal of the match, coming from a long range set shot. Gathering a good amount of the ball throughout the game, O’Brien’s best moments came in the third quarter when he pulled down a couple of strong marks.

#17 Blake Coleman

Coleman was superb forward all day, marking well leading up to the arc and kicking well inside 50. He supplied two assists in the second term to Crozier and Johnson in that manner and looked dangeous when the ball passed centre-wing. While he didn’t manage to hit the scoreboard himself, he was a reliable avenue forward and caused a good amount of damage.

#22 Saxon Crozier

Crozier was another who pushed hard forward from the wing and found space around the arc, allowing him to impact the scoreboard. His two second-quarter goals were Queensland’s only majors for the term, with one impressively coming on the run. Crozier proved to be a solid ball winner with his high work rate allowing him to get to a number of contests. His strength contested situation was also notable as he showed good hands overhead and won a key shoulder-to-shoulder duel down the wing against Braeden Campbell.

#28 Riley Johnson

Like Crozier, Johnson started up the ground but timed his forward runs to a tee early on to get on the end of easy passes in a paddock of space inside 50. His two first quarter goals came that way, with the tall Southport prospect slotting both set shot opportunities that came his way. His other goal came in the third quarter with a smart snap finish to make him Queensland’s most influencial player scoreboard-wise.

#29 Alex Davies

Davies was impressive at the stoppages with a number of clearance opportunities falling his way. Attending a good number of contests, Davies was able to either flick out handballs with composure or scramble a clearing kick forward to set Queensland on the front foot. He racked up plenty of the ball and looked at home in the middle, with the bench even asking him to stay on at a crucial time instead of coming off for his rotation.

NSW/ACT:

#2 Errol Gulden

Gulden is one of a number of hard at it Rams smalls who can contribute in multiple areas of the ground. Zipping in and out of traffic, the Marouba Saints man likes to take it on and has the ability to burst past opponents. He showed a good amount of grunt, but mixed it with class as he speared in a nice ball inside 50 in the second term. He may have enjoyed that effort a little too much however, as he turned it over trying the same thing shortly after.

#4 Pierce Roseby

Roseby was one who racked up plenty of the ball in a consistent effort, doing all of the hard stuff in the midfield. His work rate was solid, and he tackled hard to set the tone for many of the other Rams mids.

#5 Cooper Wilson

Working in a similar way to Gulden, Wilson spent a lot of his time on half-back and the wing bursting his way forward aggressively. At 172cm, his tackle on Queensland giant Mitchell Langan to catch him holding the ball was impressive, and he is deceptively strong. His hands overhead were just as good, and he wasn’t to be fazed by bigger bodies in one-on-one contests. Wilson was amongst the best based on pure tenacity and work rate, I like his game.

#7 Braeden Campbell

Campbell caught the eye with a willing second half performance that nearly dragged the Rams back to level pegging. The industrious midfielder was aggressive and did all of the one-percenters early on while showing good composure with ball in hand. Campbell went on to put in a shift at the stoppages with some fighting clearances and drive out of the contest, accumilating well. His courageous contested mark going back with the flight in the third term epitomised his effort.

#12 Marc Sheather

The versatile Sheather was on track for a best on ground performance after a blistering first half where he was in everything. His hard edge and combativeness was matched with poise and class on the ball as he gave repeat efforts and skipped through opponents with ease. While his work rate and ball winning ability from the wing was effective, Sheather was thrown deep forward for most of the second quarter, onwards in hopes of utilising his marking prowess. He turned his opponent to snap a handy goal in the second term and was a presence in the 50 for the remainder of the game.

IT was a day to remember for Queensland’s Under 16 side as they held off a tough NSW/ACT team in front of their home crowd at Metricon Stadium in the National Under 16 Championships. In the earlier game, Tasmania impressed in their 75-point drubbing of Northern Territory.

Tasmania 19.10 (124) defeated Northern Territory 7.7 (49)

Tasmania stormed out of the blocks in the first half to set up an emphatic 75-point win over the Northern Territory (NT) Thunder.

The Mariners revelled in perfect conditions at Metricon Stadium with fast ball movement and strong marking forming the basis of their game. Their mix of strength and speed through the middle of the ground proved to be vital, while the likes of Jacob Steele, Samuel Collins and Samuel Banks dominated the airways in defence against their smaller NT opponents.

Despite the scoreboard, it was not all bad for the Thunder as they had some solid individual performers. The game started off with the newest Rioli, Maurice booting the first goal, with Jeffrey Simon and Jamal Lynch showing serious class from midfield and half back. Meanwhile, Jye Menzie and Will Harper combined for almost half of Tasmania’s first half goals with three and two respectively, with another six individual goal kickers helping them to a commanding 63-point half time lead. The message made vocal by the Mariners leaders was that there was ‘still another half’ to play, and they would put NT to the sword in the second half.

Northern Territory came out with a point to prove in the third term, as Graham Moniz-Wakefield slotted the first goal. Tasmania soon clicked back into gear to put on four goals to NT’s three. The Thunder would go on to score another three majors to close out the game, with Brodie Lake claiming two of them. The Mariners also continued their good scoring form with another four goals meaning the margin was almost identical to the previous term.

Jackson Callow had an impressive second half to end with four goals from full forward, clunking some big marks on the lead and demanding the ball. Harper was also among the best with his four-goal effort, while the likes of Oliver Davis and Patrick Walker were industrious from midfield.

For the Thunder, Rioli looked lively with ball in hand up forward, while Simon was consistent through the middle with Malcolm Rosas.

Queensland 13.5 (83) defeated NSW/ACT 10.8 (68)

Queensland held on for a solid win in front of a home crowd against a spirited NSW/ACT side by 15 points.

With the scoring favouring their end, Queensland were poised to get off to a good start. The Maroons burst out of the gate with five first-quarter goals in a free flowing opener, with the Rams managing two of their own to keep in touch. Riley Johnson found space on the outer side to bag a double from set shots, while Liam O’Brien also troubled the scorers with his goal pushing up from the wing.

The second term saw the visitors take advantage of the conditions and boot four of their own majors, with the likes of Marc Sheather and Errol Gulden taking over the game. Sheather was superb initially on the wing, and eventually deep forward as he took down some impressive overhead contested marks, sliced paths through opponents with good agility and booted an important major. With Saxon Crozier helping to keep NSW/ACT at bay with two goals for Queensland, Marco Rossman’s second goal for the term cut the margin to five points at the main break.

The third term proved to be the ‘premiership quarter’ as The Maroons extended the gap out to 21 points with four goals. Shanta Cashen-Harris started to impose himself on the contest with his clean hands and inside 50 pressure, and his lone goal for the game at the end of the term was a vital one. With the game well and truly still on, NSW/ACT threw everything they could at Queensland in the final term as the ball stuck around in their forward half. Braeden Campbell was a bull through the midfield, with Coopa Steele helping him to will the Rams forward. It was to no avail though, as their three goals fell just short, with Hugh Fidler adding six points to the score after the siren to cap off a memorable day of football.